The Duck Duo

After my success on the duck opener, I made sure that Seth would be with me the next day.  Seth and I hunted together a number of times last year.  In face, Seth has hunted the same spot for 2 years now without ever harvesting a duck. I told him that I was sure the next day wouldn't be as good as the opener, but that we should still have some success.  Seth didn't even blink - he was in!

Saturday, November 23, 2012
As we rolled into the parking area I was shocked to see six trucks already there!  "This could be crazy," I told Seth.  Once we got walking, however, it was evident that nobody was ambitious/crazy enough to make the slog out to our spot.  As we walked into the marsh once again ducks could be heard all around us.  We quickly got our decoys out and gathered some dead grass to make our make-shift blinds.  Fifteen minutes before legal shooting light we made ourselves as comfortable as possible in our spot, and waited.

This day was clear, and birds could be seen clearly in the slate sky.  We had four different flocks of ducks land in our decoys while we were waiting, along with many singles.  Finally, legal shooting time arrived and once again the opening volley across the marsh sent numerous ducks into our spread.  I shot slightly better this morning, and although I missed my share, within ten minutes we had knocked three ducks down.  The next hour remained good, as there were constantly ducks in the air, which occasionally made the mistake of landing in our spread. 

The day's take.

One highlight of the morning was a drake green-winged teal that came in from the right as we were watching a large flock of mallards to the left.  All of a sudden there was a duck right on top of us, and Seth and I both shot at it from 15 ft away!  Luckily neither of us shot very accurately, and although we did bag the bird, the meat was not too shot up.

Another highlight was a gadwall drake that came in from behind us.  I heard it before I saw it, and shot as soon as it passed over my head.  I was lucky enough to knock it down, and after a 100 yd chase through the marsh, I added it to the bag.  I also had my first double of the year on a couple green winged teal that came right into the dekes!

Seth and the ducks.

Before we knew it the ducks had found safe places to land and the skies were clear.  Although we could have probably had a few more opportunities, Seth had a board exam to study for, and I could be the hero at home again by making it back early.  So we took some pictures and left, very satisfied with our hunt.

Today's Thoughts:
1.  I really enjoy hunting and fishing with friends.  In the past six years Cheryl and I have moved form Utah, to California, to Mississippi, and I am now searching for a job elsewhere.  Although the changes of scenery and pace have been nice and we have really grown as individuals and as a family, we are ready to set down some roots and make some long-term friends.  For years Cheryl was my fishing, hiking, backpacking, and even occasional hunting companion, but since the C-ster came along she has understandably different priorities, and I have found myself taking many trips alone.  Although I enjoy the solitude and adventure, I also really miss the fist pumps, high-fives, mocking, BS-ing, and all around camaraderie that a fellow die-hard fishing/hunting buddy affords.  It was good to have Seth with me on this day.

Seth A.K.A. Killer  "Dude - do NOT pull that left trigger!"  (Both guns were empty.)

2.  Relaxation and composure come with exposure.  I shot significantly better on this day than the day before, and I actually hit some birds with my first shot instead of my second.  The reason: I was more relaxed and comfortable with the situation.  I remember fishing with my Dad in August.  There was a nice cutthroat working the surface in a perfect hole.  I made a good cast, but the fish let the fly pass about three feet before turning to take it.  The result was the fish took the fly coming straight downstream at me.  I patiently waited until he had lowered his head and turned upstream again before setting the hook, resulting in a solid hook set and eventually a landed fish.  Dad said, "It's crazy that you waited so long.  I probably would have pulled the hook right out of his mouth."  (And Dad's right, he would have!)  Why did I wait? I didn't have time to think about it, it happened too fast.  I waited because I've done it a hundred times before and my muscle memory served me well.  When I take poor shots or miss easy birds, I need to remember this. It takes some experience - I'll improve progressively until the natural reaction is the correct action.  In the mean time, I need to be easy on myself and enjoy the experience.